Virtual classrooms offer flexibility and expanded access to education, but they also change the way of students’ experience in social interaction and emotional support.
The absence of consistent face-to-face contact, reduced non-verbal cues, and increased reliance on self-directed learning can limit opportunities for social connection which can play a critical role in students’ emotional and social development.
In this context, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes essential rather than optional.
What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to a structured, evidence-based process through which individuals, children and adults alike, develop the competencies needed to understand and manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Rather than being an innate trait, SEL consists of learnable and measurable skills that evolve over time through guided practice and social interaction.
According to widely adopted research frameworks such as those proposed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL encompasses five core competency areas:
- Self-awareness – recognizing one’s emotions, thoughts, and values;
- Self-management – regulating emotions, stress, and behavior to achieve goals;
- Social awareness – understanding others’ perspectives and demonstrating empathy;
- Relationship skills – establishing and maintaining healthy, supportive connections;
- Responsible decision-making – making ethical, constructive choices in social contexts.
Decades of research support the value of SEL.
Meta-analyses of school-based SEL programs have found that participation in well-implemented SEL initiatives leads to:
- significant improvements in social-emotional skills;
- positive attitudes;
- prosocial behaviors and;
- better academic performance
compared to peers who do not receive formal SEL instruction.
For example, one influential meta-analysis involving more than 270,000 students reported that SEL participants showed significant gains in social and emotional skills, attitudes toward self and others, behavior, and 11-percentile increase in academic performance relative to control groups.
More recent research focusing specifically on elementary (20 studies) and middle school students (2 studies) also found that SEL programs had a positive effect on overall academic achievement as well as subject-specific outcomes (e.g., mathematics and language arts).
Importantly, these benefits extend beyond academics.
SEL interventions have been linked to improvements in emotional regulation, prosocial behavior, and reduced emotional distress, which contribute to a healthier school climate and greater student well-being. (Source)
Why SEL Matters in Online Education
Online learning environments place greater demands on students’ emotional regulation, motivation, and self-management than traditional classrooms.
While virtual instruction offers flexibility and access, it often reduces spontaneous social interaction and limits emotional and social cues, which are important for building a sense of connection and belonging.
Research in online education shows that students’ sense of social presence, feeling connected to instructors and peers even without face-to-face interaction, positively influences engagement and participation in digital classrooms.
For example, the study linked above have found that interaction and self-regulated learning are linked to enhanced social presence, which in turn increases learners’ emotional and cognitive engagement in online contexts.
Although the interest group of that study were students in higher education, it still implies the same for K-12.
When social presence and teacher emotional support are perceived as high, students demonstrate higher levels of engagement in online learning, mediated by factors such as self-efficacy and confidence in their learning abilities. (Source)
Psychological research applying self-regulated learning theory to online contexts also highlights how emotion regulation and self-control are linked to emotional engagement in virtual classrooms.
These studies show that students who can manage their emotions and learning strategies effectively tend to be more engaged and resilient in online settings.
In qualitative research on SEL integration in virtual courses, learners reported that incorporating SEL strategies improved their emotional experience, reduced feelings of isolation, and enhanced their cognitive learning processes, suggesting that SEL is not just beneficial, but necessary for effective online instruction.
In short, SEL in online classrooms helps:
- Build a sense of community.
- Reduce student anxiety and stress.
- Improve communication and collaboration.
- Support self-regulation and motivation.
- Enhance academic outcomes.
Strategies to Adapt SEL to Online Classrooms
1. Greeting the students
Research shows that simple teacher behaviors, like greeting students at the start of class, can significantly improve student engagement.
In a study of three middle school students with problem behaviors, teacher greetings increased on-task behavior from 45% to 72%, demonstrating how a brief, intentional interaction can set a positive tone for learning.
In online K-12 classrooms, where class sizes are often smaller and individual or small-group sessions are more common, these personalized greetings become even more powerful.
By intentionally connecting with each student at the beginning of a session, educators can foster social-emotional learning (SEL), build stronger student-teacher relationships, and create a supportive, focused environment that encourages students to engage actively and confidently with the curriculum.
2. Intentional Peer Connection
In a physical classroom, “connection” happens everywhere: the whispers while sharpening a pencil or the high-fives in the hallway.
In a virtual environment, those margins are erased. If you don’t engineer peer connection, students remain isolated “islands” on a screen.
To make connection intentional, you have to move from passive viewing (watching a screen) to active co-creation (doing something together), which can be done in many ways.
Also, intentional connection thrives when students need each other to succeed.
In the virtual space, this is often called interdependence.
For example, give “Student A” one half of a puzzle or set of facts and “Student B” the other half. They must communicate via chat or audio to solve the problem.
3. Incorporate Reflective Journaling
Journaling prompts in digital platforms (like Google Docs or Padlet) help students reflect on emotions, goals, and interpersonal experiences.
It also fosters self-awareness and responsible decision-making.
4. Teach Digital Citizenship Alongside SEL
Digital citizenship lessons, including kindness in online communication, managing screen time, and understanding digital footprints, naturally align with SEL goals like ethical responsibility and self-management.
It can be done with teaching awareness of the “digital footprint”
For example, ask students: “If someone only knew you through your digital trail, would they know you are a good friend? A hard worker? A fan of animals?”
The Goal: This shifts the focus to responsible decision-making.
It encourages them to use their online presence to reflect their true values rather than just reacting to the latest trend.
| Traditional Digital Citizenship | SEL-Infused Digital Citizenship |
| “Don’t post mean things.” | “How do you feel right before and after you post a comment?” |
| “Limit your screen time to 2 hours.” | “Write down how does your body feel after spending too much time in front of the screen and compare it with your time in nature.” |
| “Keep your passwords private.” | “How would you feel if everyone knew passwords of your important accounts? Now imagine that happening if you are not careful.” |
5. Model SEL Skills Through Teacher Behavior
Educators set the emotional tone of the online classroom.
Being transparent about challenges, showing vulnerability, and practicing active listening all model key SEL competencies.
6. Celebrate Student Growth and Effort
Use badges, virtual shoutouts, or recognition boards to acknowledge not only academic success but also social and emotional milestones like cooperation, perseverance, or kindness.
7. Leverage Multimedia SEL Resources
Videos, interactive games, and digital storytelling platforms can make SEL concepts more engaging and relatable.
Tools like Common Sense Education, Second Step Digital, or ClassDojo can provide structured SEL content tailored to different age groups.
Pro-Tip: Focus on Synchronous Connection and Asynchronous Flexibility.
Use live time for talking and bonding, and keep the heavy “content delivery” for recorded videos so students can work at their own pace without the stress of a live clock.
For example, do not waste too much class time on something students can do on their own, such as watching recorded lessons together or revising a lecture.
Leave classes for explanations, questions and discussions.
That time should be focused on things students need help with.
Challenges and Considerations
Adapting SEL to virtual spaces isn’t without hurdles. Teachers may feel underprepared or overwhelmed. Students without stable internet or private spaces may struggle with consistent participation. SEL must also be inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed, especially during times of societal uncertainty.
To mitigate these issues:
- Provide SEL training for educators
- Integrate SEL naturally into academic lessons
- Maintain regular, consistent routines
- Encourage family involvement in reinforcing SEL at home
Final Thoughts
Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning in online education is not about replicating in-person methods; it’s about reimagining SEL for a digital world. When done thoughtfully, SEL in digital classrooms can bridge emotional gaps, nurture well-rounded learners, and create online spaces that are not only educational but deeply human.
